Karachi, November 14, 2011 – Boeing and Dubai-based Emirates Airline announced an order for 50
Boeing 777-300ERs (Extended Range) plus options for an additional 20 of the
popular twin-aisle commercial jetliner.
The order,
with a value of $18 billion, makes this the single largest commercial airplane
order in Boeing’s history by dollar value. It also makes 2011 the best-selling
year for the 777 program, surpassing the previous record of 154 orders set in 2005.
With the Emirates order, the 2011 net order
book for the 777 currently stands at 182. The options for 20 additional airplanes is
valued at $8 billion.
“The 777’s
reliability, performance and operating economics have firmly established it as
the backbone of our fleet," said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al
Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, Emirates Airline & Group. "We
have an ambitious and strategic plan to continue growing our international
network and especially increasing our long-haul, non-stop routes. This order supports our fleet expansion and
reiterates our commitment to operating a modern fleet for the benefit of our
passengers and to ensure operational efficiency as well.”
Emirates is
the world's largest 777 operator with a fleet of 94 777s through direct
purchase and lease, plus additional unfilled orders on backlog for 41
777-300ERs previously on order. It is also the only airline in the world to
operate every model in the Boeing
777 family, including the 777 Freighter. Emirates took delivery of its first Boeing 777 – a 777-200 in 1996, and since then, the
airline has deployed the 777 on short, medium and long-haul routes.
"This is
an extremely proud moment for us as it not only underscores Emirates’ ongoing
confidence in the 777 but also makes this the single largest order by dollar
value in Boeing’s history,” said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “As the largest
operator of the 777 in the world, Emirates has played an important role in
development of the airplane and its input over the years has been invaluable in
the development of the 777 program.”
The Boeing 777 is the world's most successful
twin-engine, long-haul airplane. The 777-300ER extends the 777 family's span of
capabilities, bringing twin-engine efficiency and reliability to the long-range
market. The airplane carries 365 passengers up to 7,930 nautical miles (14,685
km).
Boeing
incorporated several performance enhancements for the 777-300ER, extending its
range and payload capabilities. Excellent performance during flight testing,
combined with engine efficiency improvements and design changes that reduce
drag and airplane weight, contributed to the increased capability.
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